Find Your Adventure During Free Fun Weekend
No Park Stickers, Fishing Licenses Or Trail Passes Required
June 5-6
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting the 9th annual Free Fun Weekend June 5-6. Park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes will be waived for Wisconsinites to find their adventure outdoors.
Wisconsin is home to 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 15,000 lakes and so much more. Before heading to a state park, trail or waterbody near you, here are some helpful things to know:
STATE PARKS
- Admission stickers will not be required.
- All state parks will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Drive-up windows, playgrounds, bathrooms and observation towers are open.
- Stand-alone concession facilities are open to the public at 50% capacity.
- Office buildings, visitor centers, enclosed shelters and nature centers remain closed until further notice.
- Adaptive rental equipment at state park properties is unavailable until further notice.
TRAILS
- Trail passes will not be required for both residents and non-residents.
- All linear/rail trails will be open to the public, including ATV trails and horseback riding trails.
FISHING
BOAT LAUNCHES
- All DNR boat launches are open.
- Boats must be registered, which can be done either online or via mail.
- Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plants and animals from boats before and after launching, draining all water from compartments, and never move live fish from any waterbody.
SAFETY
- Wear a lifejacket at all times when fishing from a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
- Use boat lights after sunset.
- Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during an ATV ride or while operating a boat.
- Wear a helmet and protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt while riding an ATV.
- All children under the age of 18 must have a minimum Department of Transportation standard motorcycle or ATV helmet – bicycle helmets are not legal.
- Keep your speed in mind as weather and terrain conditions vary or change.
Free Fun Weekend is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. Participants are encouraged to join the Wisconsin State Parks’ OutWiGo initiative. Make sure to tag your Free Fun Weekend photos with #OutWiGo.
Planning on heading out? Visit the CDC’s website for a helpful guide on choosing safer activities.
| Wisconsin Wildfire Report: Dry Conditions And Low Relative Humidity Keep Fire Danger Elevated
Over the last week, the DNR has responded to nearly 50 wildfires mainly caused by equipment and debris burning.
The most critical fire danger is now in northern Wisconsin, particularly in the northwest, where significant rainfall will be needed to improve the situation.
Low relative humidity is expected through this weekend, with the lowest across northern Wisconsin. This dry air, combined with warm temperatures, aid in the spread of wildfires.
Wisconsin DNR Burning Permits will be suspended as needed throughout the weekend. Before you burn any debris this weekend, check for any suspensions or restrictions at bit.ly/WiFireDanger.
Please exercise caution with anything that could start a wildfire. Operate equipment, including chainsaws, ATVs/UTVs, lawnmowers, etc., early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks when fire weather is most critical. Secure trailer chains to keep them from dragging. Keep campfires small and contained and delay having them until the evening hours.
Please remain alert and report fires early by calling 911.
May 14 marks the 8th anniversary of the Germann Road Fire in Douglas County that burned 7,442 acres and 100 buildings including 23 homes and cabins.
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| Find Bait For Fishing In Your Own Backyard
Did you know that you can find fishing bait in your own backyard?
That’s right! Worms and nightcrawlers make great fishing bait and can help you catch panfish, like bluegills, pumpkinseed and perch.
Worms are easy to find – just look for them in the soil under rocks, logs and shaded areas in your backyard. Worms and larger nightcrawlers will also come out of the soil after dark especially after a warm rain. Scan the lawn with a flashlight at night to catch some of those big ones. You can also buy them from your local bait shop.
It’s important to remember to properly dispose of your worms once you are done fishing. Believe it or not, worms and nightcrawlers are non-native and are considered invasive species. Nightcrawlers munch down the leaf litter on the forest floor that young seedlings need, and change the ecology of the forest. Throw them in the trash and not in the grass, water or woods.
Next time you go fishing, try putting a worm under a bobber. You’ll likely catch a fish or two! |
| It’s Mental Health Awareness Week
Sometimes we all need to take a break from our screens and get some fresh air outside. And, as it turns out, getting outdoors is great for your mental health!
Learn more about the brain-boosting perks of unplugging in our recent Wild Wisconsin – Off the Record podcast. Dr. Shilagh Mirgain, a psychologist with UW Health, explains the benefits of logging off.
Find Wild Wisconsin wherever you get your podcasts or listen in here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5a278fbe. |
| May is National Asthma And Allergy Awareness Month
One of the best ways to manage asthma for the millions of people in the U.S. who have it is to avoid triggers. Allergens like pollen and molds (especially at this time of year), fumes, dust, smoke and pollutants can cause symptoms to flare up.
Ground-level ozone and particle pollution are the two most common pollutants that can cause health problems for people with respiratory conditions.
The Wisconsin DNR closely monitors these pollutants across the state and issues advisories when air quality becomes unhealthy.
Stay air aware and subscribe to receive air quality news and notices straight to your inbox: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/AirQuality/News.html.
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